About Us

The SDSA has existed and developed as a not-for-profit organisation supporting schools and childrens services for over 15 years. We now find that our contribution to supporting the development of the school-led improvement system is more relevant than ever before.

The trademark of the SDSA’s approach is our conviction that the solutions to most improvement challenges are to be found in schools, usually close to the ‘front-line’. What the system needs to improve are facilities that enable the effective practice to be shared.

The SDSA is therefore proud of its role as a facilitative organisation, rarely standing up at the front as the ‘expert’ but almost always quietly supporting colleagues in well-organised activities to collaborate around a clearly articulated common purpose to address priority needs.

Since its creation in 2000 the SDSA has been commisioned to support the ‘system’ in a number of ways. In particular, we have supported high level networking and communication on a regional basis to sustain partnership working in education and children’s services.

We are outcomes-focused

The SDSA's work is characterised by attention to outcomes as we support schools to deliver improvements for their pupils. Almost 75% of our current work is from repeat business or recommendation, testimony to the confidence of our clients.

HIGH IMPACT

Linked to our focus on outcomes is our drive for high impact. Our accountability is measured through the difference we make and our clients' evaluations contribute to our reputation as a highly effective partner.

VALUES DRIVEN

A major area of the SDSA’s expertise is the organisation of training and development, not only for those working in schools, but also for the wider children's services workforce. We offer in house needs based training programmes for education professionals. We also offer bespoke programmes to meet the challenges faced by schools and other children's services.

FLEXIBLY MEETING NEEDS

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Our growth and development over 15 years as a non-funded, not for profit organisation brings assurance to our public service. Success from delivering at low cost and high value is invested back into schools through our charitable foundation.

Some of our recent partners

For more information or to work with us call 0116 299 5942 or office@sdsa.net